Syrians flood refugee shelters in Lebanon

Thousands who escaped violence now endure squalid living conditions in overcrowded facilities.

25 Feb 2012 16:02 GMT

Thousands of Syrians, fearing violence at home, have fled across the border to Lebanon. An aid group claims it has registered as many as 25,000 refugees, a figure disputed by Lebanese officials who estimate that only 6,000 Syrians have sought refuge in the country.

Many of the Syrians are sheltering in overcrowded refugee centres, while others face $200 monthly rents for squalid homes that are little more than outhouses.

These refugees are starved for news of loved ones in embattled cities such as Homs.